Local resident Sam Munckhof-Swain wants to ensure Beaumont continues to develop its boundaries with local families in mind. The new Canadian citizen moved to Beaumont in 2008 from New Zealand, and has been working in communications for large energy companies, advocating to councils across Western Canada on the need for infrastructure projects. Munckhof-Swain, a father of two, loves the community for its ease of access to public spaces, as well as the town’s investment in recreational and community facilities.

“I think Beaumont has done a good job at looking after our families. I think with this incredible growth that we’re about to go through, I want to be at the decision-making table to ensure that we continue to invest and make sure that when we build these new neighbourhoods, that there is access to local playgrounds, and that there is enough community space for community groups and volunteer organizations,” he said. “I think that’s a really important part for me.”

The candidate is also interested in opening up more consultation with the community on larger decisions.

“I’m also really passionate about community issues and ensuring residents have a voice in the decisions that impact their lives. I told you about my background in communications. I want to use my experience to set a new standard for how council communicates and engages with residents. That’s really important to me, and is my number one priority,” Munckhof-Swain said.

The candidate explained that he is interested in offering more ways to engage with residents in an approachable way, such as being at local events and hosting other more informal events open to the public outside of the council chambers. He also wants to see more communication with residents before the decisions are
made .

“I find that right now, residents are typically getting a lot of their information from your newspaper, but it seems to happen after the decisions are being made. So I want to engage with residents before the decisions are made to ensure that we make the best decisions for our whole community,” he said.

As for Aqua-Fit Phase 2, Munckhof-Swain supports the decision to move forward with the much-needed new facility.

“The space is needed right now. Hopefully this new council will look for it and put a vision towards the future space,” he said.

“The current Aqua-Fit as well as the Ken Nichol, our facilities are at maximum, and the reality of trying to wait until the facilities are in place in a new space is so far down the road, and I don’t think that our community can wait that long. So I certainly would support moving ahead with that expansion.”

For more information on Munckhof-Swain’s campaign, go to www.samforbeaumont.ca, or visit him at the campaign kickoff barbecue Aug. 12 at the Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre parking lot from 12-1:30 p.m.